Prendergast 'aware' of need to step up in defence
Sam Prendergast (15) has missed more tackles than any other player in this year's Six Nations
- Published
Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has backed fly-half Sam Prendergast to put "a few question marks" around his defending "to bed" in Saturday's Six Nations match against France.
Prendergast, 22, has impressed in the Irish attack in wins over England, Scotland and Wales, but has also missed a tournament-high 15 tackles.
Easterby says Prendergast is "fully aware" of the need to "step up" in that area as Ireland prepare to a France side that have scored 21 tries in three games.
"I think at times he's been excellent and put some real good shots in and at times he's missed a couple," said Easterby.
"He's working incredibly hard at figuring out lots of things in his game, trying to be the best 10 he can be and the best 10 that can create opportunities in attack but also understands and values the other side of the ball."
Easterby added: "That's part and parcel of his growth as a player, making sure he understands how important both sides of the ball are.
"We've certainly had conversations around it across the championship, not just after the Wales game, but he's fully aware of the need for him to step up in that area and I'm sure we'll see a physical side to Sam at the weekend that will maybe put a few question marks to bed."
Prendergast will face returning France fly-half Romain Ntamack, who partners Antoine Dupont at half-back after missing the England and Italy games through suspension.
"He has an all-court game in terms of his kicking, his ability at the line and his passing," said Easterby.
"But we've got a couple of pretty special ones ourselves in Sam and Jack Crowley.
"It's probably a little sub-plot that will go a long way towards the success of either team, how the two 10s that start the game manage it and how they control the game in the areas of the pitch we play.
"It's an interesting dynamic and one I know Sam is looking forward to challenging himself against."